He tries to lift his head, a grimace etching lines of pain across his noble features, but determination fuels his every move. "What did you whisper?" he demands, each word laced with grogginess yet unwavering focus. “Before I succumbed to sleep. I heard you whisper something. What was it?”
I lean closer, my pulse thrumming in my ears as I meet Behtu's intense gaze.
"Jules," he rasps, his voice hoarse yet commanding, "the whisper."
I let the truth spill forth, a cascade of raw emotion wrapped in four simple words. "I love you, too.”
With a fervent growl that rumbles deep in his chest, Behtu sits up, his movements defying the weakness that should have held him down. His powerful arms ensnare me, pulling me onto the exam table with an urgency that leaves no room for hesitation.
“Behtu,” I squeak. “You should be resting. Qhix said you’re not fully healed until the lights on the medical cuff turn a steady white.”
"Say it again," he demands.
For a moment, I'm lost in the visceral intensity of his gaze, the electrifying touch of his skin against mine. “Not until you lay back down.”
“Fine,” Behtu growls and lays on his side, tucking my front to his. “I’m lying down. Now tell me what I want to hear.”
“Do all Star Mavericks make bad patients?” I tease. “Or, is it just you?”
“Jules…” he grumbles and gives me a little squeeze.
"I love you, Behtu, my demanding corsair," I repeat, my voice a whisper against the synchronized beats of our hearts.
A smile of triumph graces Behtu's lips, and my heart fills with joy for the male whose soul speaks to mine.
“Your turn,” I prod. “I want to hear you say it again.”
“I love you, my precious treasure.” His lips gently touch mine before he deepens the kiss. I can feel his arousal pressing against me, indicating where this is heading.
I pull back, my hands pressing against his heavy pectorals. "Not until that cuff turns white," I say firmly.
“You’re a cruel female,” he snarls.
“No,” I playfully swat at his chest, “I’m a nurse first and a female second. Right now, you need to be resting so your spine can heal.”
“Fine,” Behtu concedes with a snort and pulls me closer, resting his cheek on the top of my head. Several heartbeats passas we lay entwined before he speaks again. “What do you think about a home here on Pryt?”
“I thought you said it’s safer for Maverick’s to live apart.”
“It is but Qhix and I are no longer actively reaving,” he explains as my heart beats faster. “I will ask him, but I’m sure he won’t mind if we stay.”
“Why would you give up your place on Ritk?”
“You’re not comfortable living inside a biodome on a volcanic world.” He tilts back his head so I can peer up into his regal face. “Plus, there are other humans here, and there will be until we figure a way past the Yulineon patrollers guarding Earth.”
Leaving behind New York and my life on Earth fills me with a bittersweet ache, yet the thought of remaining on Pryt by Behtu's side thrills me to my core. The idea of sharing my days with the male who claims not just my heart but also harbors a protective beast within him brings an overwhelming sense of joy that lights up my soul like never before.
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” I know he’s giving up his coveted solitary existence for me, and I worry he will grow to resent me if we stay here and play house. “There are five Ziarian males, Qhix, and eight humans including me.”
“Once this bliking cuff turns white, we can walk the beach and find a spot away from the crowd to build a home.”
“You would that for me?” I sit up, too excited to lay still.
“If it’s what you want.”
“I do want!”
A rare smile plays across Behtu’s too handsome face. “Now lay down. My demanding nurse said I need my rest.”
